8 Rad oder 4 Rad - was ist besser? - Inside Track | Renault TSF Tank Kent

From the Panzer Tracts Archives. Given the Foundation is restoring a total of four 4-Rad at it is interesting to review an index retained by the office that was tasked with the specification of new German armoured vehicles. This index kept a summary record of relevant comments and reports that might be useful when specific matters were to be discussed. The complete document was referenced and filed elsewhere. • In 1942 the 6.Panzer Division was asked to report whether four-wheel or eight-wheel Panzer Spähwagen should be retained. A brief explanation of their answer in words was “one of the two should be cancelled”. • The troops demand is that the construction of the 4-Rad leichter Panzer Spähwagen should continue. The advantages over 8-Rad are: motor, steering, gearbox, are technically more reliable. The 4-Rad is more manoeuvrable, can more easily draw out of enemy fire, it is faster, presents a smaller target and overcomes difficult terrain more easily. • In summary the recommendation must be to continue to build 4-Rad cars, but reinforcement of the suspension is desirable and increase engine power in a new model. Excerpts from a copy of a letter from the Obltn. Wollenberg. The opinion of the General der Schnellen Truppen is that the 8-Rad is never to be used alone. There is no radio equipment fitted that can allow it to carry out independent orders. Use is only to be made within the framework of the Panzer Spähwagen Kompanie. • It is again reiterated that the 7.Panzer Division believes that the 8-Rad is too complicated. 4-Rad is better as it presents a smaller target, it has greater radius of action and can aim the weapons in all directions without restriction (Sd.Kfz.222). Lack of a facility for driving backwards is compensated for by the all-wheel steering. In early 1943 it was noted that the Fuehrer has made the decision that the building the 8-Rad to continue. But only 8-Rad Tp. (Sd.Kfz.234) is to be built, production of a planned 4-Rad Tp (replacement for the existing le.Pz.Sp.Wg) will not start. . However, with the political decision the following more favourable comments were noted. • AOK Afrika has never refused 8-Rad cars, they have proven themselves extraordinarily, but stronger armament is required. • Sp.Kp.700 reported that the 8-Rad has proven itself excellent.

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